Since 1921, thousands of young people from every state and more than a dozen countries have come to Cheley Colorado Camps. The experience can change you. You become more independent and self-reliant. You face new challenges and form new relationships. You acquire confidence and initiate the lifelong process of self-discovery. The judgments and expectations that you bring from home start to drop away. You get in touch with your physical self and wellbeing. Fears are faced and conquered. Friendships develop and grow.

Why four weeks? It takes that long to unwind, get in shape, and do something that makes this one a summer to remember. Each camp unit creates a Code of Living, a personal code of honor that everyone in your unit agrees to follow. Striving for ideals such as fair play, honesty, enthusiasm and good character is a priority at Cheley-and so is having fun. There is a distinct beginning, middle and end to the camp experience in order for the entire program to unfold.

Cheley campers share this world with horses, elk, marmots and mountain sheep. You climb slabs of rock a billion years old. Blue skies, afternoon rain showers, fresh air and brilliant sunshine are commonplace. Campers often say they feel more alive, more connected and more themselves at Cheley, whether they're coaxing friends up a steep mountain pass or riding horseback down a rocky trail.

You learn about trust and support because you give it to one another when it really counts. Camp memories are filled with details that don't exist anywhere else in your life. A rich history and great people are a big part of what makes the Cheley adventure what it is today-a truly meaningful and unique youth development experience.